Creating Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
2. Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
5. Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color.
6. Add Marinade: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to create a glaze.
7. Check Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
8. Garnish: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
9. Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken and drizzle with the remaining glaze from the skillet before serving.

Following these steps will ensure your Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken turns out incredible every time!